346 The Innovative Leader: Step-By-Step Lessons from Top Innovators For You and Your Organization with Stephen Wunker | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

Partnering Leadership

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Stephen Wunker, the renowned author of The Innovative Leader: Step-By-Step Lessons from Top Innovators For You and Your Organization. Drawing from his extensive experience in innovation consulting and his collaboration with thought leaders like Clay Christensen, Steve shares practical insights on how organizations can cultivate a culture of innovation, build frameworks that support creative thinking, and navigate the complexities of today’s business environment.

Stephen Wuncker challenges the conventional myth of the 'lone genius' and emphasizes that true innovation is not about individual brilliance but about fostering a culture where ideas can thrive collectively. He explains how leaders can encourage this by adopting a systematic approach, asking the right questions, and creating an environment that values curiosity, empathy, and experimentation.

Throughout the conversation, Steve highlights powerful examples of innovative leadership from top companies like Microsoft, Princess Cruises, and Procter & Gamble, showing how these organizations have successfully integrated empathy, agile thinking, and strategic experimentation to stay ahead of market changes and disruptions. He also goes into the transformative potential of AI, arguing that businesses must maintain a balance between leveraging cutting-edge technology and preserving their human touch to remain competitive.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how to challenge the myth of the 'lone genius' and instead build a culture where every team member can contribute to innovation.
• Learn why empathy is the cornerstone of innovation and how leaders like Satya Nadella used it to transform Microsoft.
• Discover the two powerful questions you should be asking to drive innovation in your organization.
• Find out how successful companies build an innovative culture brick by brick, starting with practical steps you can take right now.
• Explore how to balance risk and reward in innovation, using lessons from venture capitalists and top corporate leaders.
• Uncover the secrets of integrating AI in a way that leverages technology while maintaining the human touch in your organization.
• Understand the importance of staying connected to your customers beyond just reading market research, with real-life examples from top executives.
• Learn how to build systems that support continuous innovation, from clear decision rights to effective resource allocation.
• Hear an inspiring story of crisis management and leadership from Princess Cruises during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Find out how to cultivate an innovative mindset by consistently asking 'why' and 'what if,' just like the greatest innovators in history.

Connect with Stephen Wunker

The Innovative Leader

Stephen Wunker LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn
Partnering Leadership Website