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The Making of an Innovation Master

Harvard Business Review

A workshop attendee asked me this seemingly simple question: "So, what else should I read to learn more about innovation?". But in thinking it through, I did eventually end up with a highly personal list I call " The Masters of Innovation " (which appears in my latest book ). To see my selections, click here. So what makes a Master?

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Using Supply Chains to Grow Your Business

Harvard Business Review

One result is that they keep their cards close to their chests about what they are looking for (at first), while expecting you to reveal everything – your finances, pricing, ownership, human resources, production processes, quality assurance, customer service procedures, KPIs, and existing customers.

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What Apple Should Do with Its Massive Piles of Money

Harvard Business Review

But as Apple’s profits multiplied from 2004 through 2011, it was clear that, as you now call it, “ return of capital ” to shareholders was not a pressing priority for Mr. Jobs. I agree and ask you to consider what public shareholders and stock buybacks have to do with innovation at Apple. Social innovation.

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What Big Companies Can Learn from the Success of the Unicorns

Harvard Business Review

Snapchat, an idea conceived in 2011, is now valued around $16 billion, with more than 100 million active users who send an average of over 400 million snaps per day. Financed by VC firms. billion in a single round of equity financing, the largest private fundraising round for a VC-backed startup ever. Narrowly focused.

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6 Reasons Platforms Fail

Harvard Business Review

Successful platforms engage in platform evangelism, providing developers with resources to innovate, feedback on design and performance, and rewards for participation. In 2004, the residual assets were sold off for a mere $7 million, a tiny fraction of the $500 million auto manufacturers had invested.