Welcome to Faces of Innovation! This podcast is dedicated to speaking to leaders across the innovation ecosystem, from Venture Builders to Chief Innovation Officers. Faces of Innovation is hosted by Rachel Gordon . Rachel is a growth and innovation advisor to ambitious industry leaders in consumer packaged goods and pharmaceuticals. In her 20-year career, she's led innovation initiatives across Europe and North America in-house and as a consultant. Today, she helps clients create internal structures for successful long-term innovation, enabling them to uncover market opportunities, build innovation capability and position themselves for large-scale growth. Rachel’s experience includes work with: ABInBev, AstraZeneca, Danone, General Mills, Harley-Davidson, PepsiCo and Virgin.
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October 24, 202549 min
Unlocking Innovation: The Consulting Revolution with Mark Payne | Faces of Innovation | EP 16
Faces of Innovation is hosted by Rachel Gordon, featuring in-depth interviews with leaders across the innovation ecosystem—from venture builders and studio operators to Chief Innovation Officers and brand/strategy executives. Episodes explore how organizations structure innovation, de‑risk new ventures, and build growth engines, with guests from firms like Danone, Spark No. 9, and Co:CreatedIn this conversation, Mark Payne, co-founder and CEO of Electric Innovation, discusses the evolution of innovation consulting, emphasizing the shift from idea generation to a more strategic approach. He highlights the importance of building client capabilities and the role of AI in enhancing innovation processes. The discussion also touches on the characteristics of successful innovators and the future challenges and opportunities in the consulting landscape.Mark's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-payne-4820466/ Rachel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgordonma/
October 24, 202533 min
The Power of Purpose-Driven Business with Adam Rubin | Faces of Innovation | EP 15
Faces of Innovation is hosted by Rachel Gordon, featuring in-depth interviews with leaders across the innovation ecosystem—from venture builders and studio operators to Chief Innovation Officers and brand/strategy executives. Episodes explore how organizations structure innovation, de‑risk new ventures, and build growth engines, with guests from firms like Danone, Spark No. 9, and Co:CreatedIn this conversation, we discuss the evolution of innovation consulting, and Adam expands on how businessfourzero uniquely helps clients accelerate their performance. We explore two key aspects of how B4Z works, focusing on how it helps set clear, strategic directions and mobilize teams through energy and commitment. Learn more about their purpose-driven approach at businessfourzero.com and discover other topics like how B4Z helps clients drive strong execution and change behaviors in daily work.Adam's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammichaelrubin/Rachel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgordonma/
October 24, 202530 min
AI and the Future of Corporate Innovation with Matt Stewart | Faces of Innovation | EP 14
In this conversation, Matt Stewart of Disruptive Edge discusses the transformative impact of AI on corporate innovation and the future of work. He emphasizes that while AI will automate many jobs, it also presents unprecedented opportunities for those in strategic design roles. The discussion explores the challenges of human bottlenecks in decision-making, the emergence of new job roles, and the potential shift towards a self-fulfillment economy where traditional work structures may no longer apply. The conversation concludes with a call to imagine a new economic model that prioritizes purpose and meaning in a rapidly changing world. Faces of Innovation is hosted by Rachel Gordon, featuring in-depth interviews with leaders across the innovation ecosystem—from venture builders and studio operators to Chief Innovation Officers and brand/strategy executives. Episodes explore how organizations structure innovation, de‑risk new ventures, and build growth engines, with guests from firms like Danone, Spark No. 9, and Co:CreatedMatt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjmstewart/Rachel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgordonma/
July 30, 202554 min
How Questions Turn Ideas Into Billions: Josh Cohen on Innovation Secrets | Faces of Innovation | EP 13
Faces of Innovation, hosted by Rachel Gordon, dives deep into the world of innovation by featuring candid conversations with leaders across the innovation ecosystem, including venture builders, corporate executives, and startup founders.Faces of Innovation is sponsored by Bamboo Crowd, the global leader in recruiting for innovation, strategy, design, research, data, & AI helping corporates and consultancies to build world-class teams responsible for unlocking growth.In this conversation, Josh Cohen discusses the importance of innovation in corporate settings, emphasizing the role of individuals in fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability. He highlights the significance of asking questions, creating safe learning environments, and developing a growth mindset.The discussion also touches on the integration of learning into daily life and the future of corporate training in an ever-evolving landscape.TakeawaysThe power of questions can drive significant change in organizations.Innovation should be seen as everyone's responsibility, not just a select few.Learning to learn is essential for fostering innovation in corporate environments.Adaptability is crucial in navigating uncertain conditions and challenges.Creating a safe space for learning encourages creativity and risk-taking.Questions should be viewed as tools for growth, not burdens.A growth mindset involves accepting that we are evolving and capable of learning new skills.Continuous learning is necessary for personal and professional development.Work and personal growth are interconnected and should not be viewed separately.Teaching individuals how to learn effectively is vital for future success in innovation.Rachel Gordon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgordonmaJosh Cohen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cohenjoshua1/
June 12, 2025Episode 1252 min
The ESSENTIAL conditions for successful innovation with Dave Lewis of Mach49 | EP 12
In this conversation, Dave Lewis discusses the essential elements of capability building for corporate innovation. He emphasizes the importance of clarity, commitment, and the right conditions for fostering innovation. The discussion covers the definitions of innovation and capability, the significance of creating safe learning environments, and the need for empathy in capability building. Additionally, the conversation highlights the distinction between organizational and individual capabilities, the importance of influencing skills, and the ongoing nature of capability development. Finally, the conversation touches on the challenges of measuring success in innovation efforts. The speakers delve into the intricacies of innovation and capability building within organizations. They emphasize the importance of setting clear milestones and metrics to track progress, the need for engagement throughout the innovation journey, and the value of interdisciplinary teams. The discussion also includes a unique analogy comparing innovation to surfing, highlighting the skills required to adapt and ride the waves of change. Finally, they outline the three C's of successful capability building: clarity, commitment, and conditions.Chapters00:00 The Three C's of Innovation Success04:58 Defining Innovation and Capability Building10:03 Creating Safe Spaces for Learning15:00 The Importance of People in Capability Building20:02 Organizational Capability vs. Individual Capability25:11 Measuring Success in Capability Building28:53 Milestones and Metrics in Innovation32:34 Engagement and Progress Tracking35:58 Building Interdisciplinary Teams38:04 The Surfing Analogy for Innovation48:30 The Three C's of Capability BuildingFind Dave here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-lewis-jr/ Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o To learn more about BTG: https://bambootalent.group/
June 3, 2025Episode 1148 min
How Consumer Insights Drive Innovation with Ana Plasencia of Mars | EP 11
In this conversation, Ana Plasencia, an innovation explorer at Mars, discusses the critical role of consumer insights in driving innovation. She emphasizes the importance of understanding human truths and the need for collaboration across multifunctional teams to create products that resonate with consumers. The discussion also touches on the tension between enjoyment and health consciousness in the confectionery industry, highlighting the responsibility of marketers to provide clear information to consumers. Ana shares insights into her daily work as an insights professional, illustrating how empathy and consumer engagement are essential for successful product development. The speakers delve into the complexities of consumer insights and innovation processes, emphasizing the importance of empowering teams, fostering psychological safety, and navigating the challenges of a fast-paced environment. They discuss the need for collaboration between insights and marketing, the balance between rigor and creativity, and the significance of building a culture of trust and open communication. The conversation highlights the iterative nature of innovation and the necessity of adapting to changing consumer needs while maintaining curiosity and depth in research.Takeaways:The voice of the consumer is often forgotten in business.Consumer research provides multiple perspectives, not a single truth.Innovation requires a deep understanding of consumer needs.Human insights professionals must connect consumer truths to business strategies.Collaboration across multifunctional teams enhances innovation.Understanding consumer problems is key to successful product development.The tension between enjoyment and health consciousness is prevalent in confectionery.Responsible marketing involves providing clear information to consumers.Empathy for the consumer is crucial in decision-making processes.Consumer insights are subjective and require integration of diverse perspectives.Innovation is an iterative process that often requires revisiting hypotheses.Rigor in innovation does not mean sacrificing creativity.Psychological safety is essential for fostering innovation.Chapters:00:00 The Role of Consumer Insights in Innovation05:58 Understanding Human Truths12:43 Navigating Tensions in Confectionery19:24 A Day in the Life of an Insights Professional22:48 Empowering Teams Through Research25:48 The Alchemy of Consumer Insights27:30 Navigating the Innovation Process30:50 Balancing Rigor and Creativity in Innovation31:15 Fostering Psychological Safety in Teams32:36 The Synergy of Insights and Marketing36:40 Building a Culture of Trust and Collaboration42:00 Challenges in the Fast-Paced World of InnovationFind Ana here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-paula-plasencia-best-1a130b1a/ Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o To learn more about BTG: https://bambootalent.group/
May 22, 2025Episode 1043 min
How Innovation Intersects across Corporates, Startups, & Academic Institutions | Julian Boxenbaum EP 10
In this conversation, Julian Boxenbaum discusses the critical role of connection in innovation, contrasting the approaches of corporations, startups, and academic institutions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding human needs and the challenges faced by each sector in fostering innovation. The discussion also highlights the need for critical thinking in education and the impact of technology on the democratization of innovation. Takeaways:Innovation requires a broad understanding and connection.Corporations often resist change, unlike startups.Education systems are failing to teach critical thinking.The startup world is more exposed to market realities.Universities are structured in ways that hinder innovation.Successful innovation requires understanding human needs.Technology democratizes access to innovation.Value creation is a human-centered process.Critical thinking is essential for future innovators.Collaboration between sectors is crucial for innovation.Chapters:00:00 The Importance of Connection in Innovation02:56 Navigating Corporate vs. Startup Innovation05:52 The Role of Academia in Innovation09:05 Challenges in Academic Innovation11:50 The Startup Mindset vs. Corporate Culture15:12 The Disconnect Between Innovation Worlds18:06 The Need for Critical Thinking in Education20:53 The Future of Innovation and Technology23:56 Democratization of Innovation26:47 Value Creation in Innovation29:51 Conclusion: Bridging the Innovation GapFind Julian here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-lion-boxenbaum-821b071/ Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o To learn more about BTG: https://bambootalent.group/
May 12, 2025Episode 952 min
How to balance risk management in corporate innovation with Alice Ponti | EP 9
In this conversation, Alice Ponti, a corporate innovation expert, discusses the intricate relationship between innovation and risk management in organizations. She emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, the limitations of traditional Stage Gate processes, and the need for intelligent risk-taking. The discussion also covers portfolio management strategies and the role of startups in accelerating innovation. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the significance of cultivating a culture that embraces risk-taking and learning from failures.Takeaways: Leaders often overlook the bigger risks of disruption.Psychological safety is crucial for innovation teams.Innovation should be seen as an option to create future value.StageGate processes can hinder breakthrough innovation.Portfolio management helps identify gaps in innovation.Piloting new products is essential for risk management.A culture of risk-taking starts with leadership.Intelligent risk-taking can lead to greater innovation success.Collaboration with startups can de-risk innovation processes.Innovation teams can inspire risk-taking across the organization.Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Innovation and Risk09:40 The StageGate Process: A Double-Edged Sword22:01 Portfolio Management in Innovation31:15 Venture Fuel: Bridging Startups and Corporations39:21 Cultivating a Culture of Risk-TakingFind Alice here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceponti/Follow us: LinkedInSpotifyTo learn more about BTG: https://bambootalent.group/ About The Faces of Innovation: This podcast is dedicated to speaking to leaders across the innovation ecosystem, from Venture Builders to Chief Innovation Officers.
April 17, 2025Episode 855 min
How Corporate Leaders can Unlock Innovation w/ Robyn Bolton | EP 8
In this conversation, Robin Bolton discusses the challenges and strategies of corporate innovation, emphasizing the importance of leadership, the need for a structured approach, and the significance of understanding the growth gap. She introduces the concept of the Innovation ABCs, which focuses on architecture, leadership behaviors, and culture, and highlights the necessity of executive sponsors in fostering innovation within organizations. The speakers delve into the intricacies of innovation within organizations, emphasizing the importance of executive sponsorship, team dynamics, and the critical role of people over processes. They discuss how effective leadership can protect and empower innovation teams, the necessity of psychological safety, and the value of shared values in fostering collaboration. The conversation also highlights the significance of quick wins and organizational clarity in driving innovation, ultimately leading to a legacy of impactful behaviors within the company.Chapters:00:00 The Reality of Corporate Innovation02:49 Understanding Leadership in Innovation05:52 The Structure of Innovation Leadership09:00 The Three-Year Innovation Strategy11:51 The Innovation ABCs14:56 Defining the Playground for Innovation17:53 Measuring Innovation Success21:03 Decision-Making in Innovation23:53 The Role of Executive Sponsors27:46 The Role of Executive Sponsors in Innovation30:44 People Over Process: The Heart of Innovation34:18 Team Dynamics: Building a Unified Vision37:12 The Importance of Psychological Safety40:45 Invisible Leadership: Protecting the Innovation Team44:21 Quick Wins and Organizational Clarity49:24 Leaving a Legacy: Innovation Behaviors that MatterFind Robyn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynmbolton/ Check out Robyn’s book, Unlocking Innovation: https://www.milezero.io/book/ Follow us:LinkedInSpotifyTo learn more about BTG: https://bambootalent.group/ About The Faces of Innovation: This podcast is dedicated to speaking to leaders across the innovation ecosystem, from Venture Builders to Chief Innovation Officers.
December 10, 2024Episode 729 min
Navigating the Future of Professional Services, AI and Automation w/ Jan Beranek | EP 7
Navigating the Future of Professional Services, AI and Automation w/ Jan Beranek | EP 7 Today we’re excited to be speaking to Jan Beranek Founder and CEO, FifthRow. In this conversation, Jan and Rachel discuss the significant transitions in the professional services landscape, particularly in light of recent job losses and the rise of generative AI. They explore the capabilities of Fifth Row, a platform designed to automate innovation and knowledge work, and how it enables companies to streamline their processes and enhance efficiency. The discussion also delves into the concept of autonomous agents and their potential to revolutionize business operations, ultimately leading to a future where organizations can respond more rapidly to market demands. Key Takeaways Everybody's in a massive transition.350,000 professional services jobs lost at the beginning of the year.Fifth Row automates the front end portions of work.The platform enables companies to deploy talent better.Innovation is typically a cost center, not a profit center.Fifth Row has proven to be more efficient than traditional methods.Automation allows for more quality thinking time.The future will see humans managing agents, managing agents.Companies need to experiment with autonomous agents.The landscape of venture building is changing rapidly.Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Landscape of Professional Services and AI04:50 The Fifth Row Platform: Revolutionizing Innovation and Automation10:05 Understanding Autonomous Agents in Business Processes20:14 The Future of Venture Building and Knowledge Work Automation Find Jan Beranek here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beranekjan/ Follow us: LinkedInSpotifyTo learn more about Bamboo Crowd, check us out here: https://www.bamboocrowd.com/ About The Faces of Innovation: This podcast is dedicated to speaking to leaders across the innovation ecosystem, from Venture Builders to Chief Innovation Officers.
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