Companies need to be innovative to get their brands noticed—among customers, partners, employees—and ultimately to thrive from a business perspective. And this concern for innovation shows, at least on paper. In 2012, a report by The Wall Street Journal that remains relevant and cited today reported interesting infographics: over 250 books published in the last 90 days had the word “innovation” in the title, 43 percent of the companies surveyed had a Chief Innovation Officer, and the term “innovation” was one of the most used words in financial reports of U.S. public companies. In sum, we have been hearing the term “innovation” everywhere and have been made to believe in its importance for almost two decades. Yet, the actual meaning of the notion remains somehow nebulous and difficult to pin down.

So, who else than the innovation culture guru Duncan Wardle to talk about this essential topic today? Having worked at The Walt Disney Company for 25 years, most recently as Head of Innovation and Creativity, Mr. Wardle now serves as an independent innovation consultant, and founder of the company ID8 & Innov8, helping companies embed a culture of innovation and creativity. His unique process, called “Design Thinking,” helps people capture unlikely connections, leading to both fresh thinking and revolutionary ideas. He is a multiple Ted X speaker, contributor to Fast Company magazine, and teaches Innovation and Design Thinking Masterclasses at various universities in the U.S.

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About Duncan Wardle

Also of interest:

TEDxAUK:  The Theory of Creativity with Duncan Wardle

TEDxBocaRaton:  Creating Relationship Magic! with Duncan Wardle

Fast Company: Four Ways to Set Your Next Brainstorm Up for Success

Brand & New: Branding Meets Innovation

Forbes: Seven Steps to Creating a Culture of Innovation

Forbes: Back to Basics—What Is Innovation?

Harvard Business Review: The One Good Thing Caused by COVID-19—Innovation