Innovation Rockstars

Hosted by Dr. Christian Mühlroth, ITONICS

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Aug 2025

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The Innovation Rockstars podcast is your no-nonsense guide to all things corporate innovation. With a focus on actionable insights and real-world experiences, we dive deep into the practices that drive sustainable growth and transformative change. From corporate foresight to ideation and creativity to hands-on execution, our episodes bring you unfiltered conversations with the minds shaping the future of business. Tune in!

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August 4, 202549 min

R&D like an Athlete - David Kaufman @resideo

Join Dr. Christian Mühlroth as he sits down with David Kaufman, a six-time USA Triathlon All-American and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Resideo. Discover what it takes to complete over 100 triathlons while leading corporate innovation programs. David shares insights on managing risk, fostering a culture of innovation, and the parallels between triathlon and business success.Key Highlights:David's journey to becoming a top 1% U.S. triathlon athlete.The innovation framework at Resideo and its impact on employee engagement. Strategies for managing risk in both sports and corporate settings. The importance of falling in love with the problem in innovation.How Resideo celebrates both successes and failures in innovation.David Kaufman is a seasoned triathlete and corporate leader, known for his strategic initiatives at Resideo. With a passion for endurance sports and innovation, David brings a unique perspective to the intersection of athletics and business.Don't miss this inspiring episode! Subscribe now to stay updated on future conversations that blend sports, innovation, and leadership. #Triathlon #Innovation #Leadership #Podcast #R&D

June 6, 2025Episode 8247 min

The Future of Defense Innovation - Dave Brewer @ InnoTECH

In this conversation, we explore the intersection of military experience, technology, and leadership through the lens of Dave Brewer, a retired Air Force officer. He shares insights on burnout, the importance of enjoyment in work, and the evolving landscape of defense innovation, particularly in space strategy.The discussion delves into misunderstood technologies like AI and cryptocurrency, the cultural differences in innovation, and the ethical implications of space exploration. Brewer emphasizes the need for purpose-driven approaches in technology and leadership, while reflecting on his personal journey and the balance between work and life.

May 6, 2025Episode 8144 min

Inside Lean Startup: What Actually Works in Big Companies - Ben Hefele @Lean Startup Co.

In this conversation, Ben Haefle, CEO of Lean Startup Co., discusses the realities of corporate innovation, emphasizing the importance of core innovation over disruptive innovation. He explains the Lean Startup methodology, focusing on strategic alignment, milestones, team roles, governance, and culture. The discussion also touches on the concept of innovation theater and the role of AI in enhancing the Lean Startup process. Haefle concludes with insights on the necessity of human creativity in the innovation landscape.TAKEAWAYSCorporate innovation often overlooks core innovation.Lean Startup methodology focuses on learning and reducing risk.Strategic alignment is crucial for successful innovation.Milestones help measure progress in uncertain environments.Teams must be clearly defined to execute innovation strategies.Governance structures are essential for accountability in innovation.Culture impacts the effectiveness of innovation efforts.Innovation theater can mask a lack of real progress.AI can accelerate the Lean Startup process but not replace human creativity.Leadership buy-in is necessary for successful implementation of Lean Startup.CHAPTERS00:00 The Reality of Corporate Innovation03:09 Understanding Lean Startup Methodology06:01 Strategic Alignment in Innovation08:51 Milestones and Measuring Progress12:07 The Role of Teams in Innovation14:57 Governance and Accountability in Innovation19:12 Culture and Its Impact on Innovation23:04 Innovation Theater: The Illusion of Progress26:55 The Future of Lean Startup and AI30:10 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

April 8, 2025Episode 8041 min

How GRAMMY Winners Are Really Chosen - Panos A. Panay @The Recording Academy

The truth behind the Grammy Awards 🏆 What does it really take to win? How are nominees selected, and what role does AI play in music today? Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy, reveals everything - from the intense behind-the-scenes orchestration of music’s biggest night to how technology and creativity intersect.Get insider access to the peer-to-peer Grammy voting process 🎤, the impact of a win on an artist’s career 💰, and why human creativity still reigns supreme in the AI era. This is a must-listen for music creators, fans, and anyone curious about the future of the music industry.📌 CHAPTERS00:00 The Grammy Effect: Why It Lasts Forever01:08 From Cyprus to the Grammys: Panos' Unexpected Journey02:35 Inside the Mission of the Recording Academy04:32 Building Platforms for Creators08:56 Behind the Scenes of Orchestrating the Grammys14:30 How Grammy Nominations Really Work20:48 What It Feels Like to Win (Or Not Win) a Grammy24:42 AI in Music: Tool or Threat?28:55 Why AI-Generated Music Can’t Replace Human Art31:03 Panos’ Career Advice to Emerging Artists34:57 Hard Work vs. Hype: The Reality of Success39:06 What Will Never Change in Human Nature*** 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.

January 13, 2025Episode 7938 min

Innovation at the Crossroads: Strategic Choices in Disruption - Scott Brinker @Hubspot

"Why are we trying to fight all of this?" The pace of technological advancement outstrips our ability to adapt, a phenomenon captured by MarTec's Law. In this episode, Dr. Chris Mühlroth and Scott Brinker, VP of Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot delve into the complexities of technological advancement and its implications for organizations. They discuss MarTec's Law, which highlights the disparity between the rapid pace of technological change and the slower adaptation of organizations. The dialogue explores strategies for embracing technology, the importance of building platform ecosystems, and the potential of agentic AI to enhance productivity. They also reflect on the societal impacts of AI and the need for individuals to adapt to these changes while maintaining critical skills. *** 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.

December 10, 2024Episode 7854 min

The Future of Aging: Are We Ready for This? - Dr. Aubrey de Grey @LEV Foundation

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.

October 14, 2024Episode 7742 min

Will Machines Tell Better Stories than Humans? - Mike Todasco @SDSU

"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 withMike Todasco, formerSenior 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!

October 1, 2024Episode 761 hr 23 min

Has Corporate Foresight Become Obsolete? - Prof. Dr. René Rohrbeck @EDHEC

"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 Platform⁠⁠The Ørsted story⁠Study from Prof. Dr. René Rohrbeck & Menes Etingue Kum on ⁠"Corporate foresight and its impact on firm performance: A longitudinal analysis"⁠The Merryll Lynch case⁠⁠EDHEC FIT Chair⁠⁠Global Foresight Network of the World Economic ForumArticle 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.

July 16, 2024Episode 7541 min

Navigating Industry Challenges with Strategic War Gaming - Prof. Dr. Jan Oliver Schwarz @Bavarian Foresight-Institute

"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 welcomeProf. Dr. Jan Oliver Schwarz, a renowned expert in strategic foresight and trend analysis. As theHeadof theBavarian Foresight Instituteand 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.

July 2, 2024Episode 741 hr 2 min

Embracing Radical Optimism for a Future-Ready Mind State - Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt - Author of "What’s Next Is Now”

“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.